Doha and other parts of the country received rain of varying intensity on Thursday, especially late in the afternoon and evening. According to tweets by the Qatar Met department, showers were reported from Doha and its suburbs, the southeastern parts of the country and some places in the north.

Sporadic rains were expected to continue in some areas until the beginning of Friday, the weather office said.

The Met department had earlier said 'unsettled weather' was expected in the country on Thursday, marked by a chance of scattered rain and strong winds inshore and thundershowers, windy conditions and high seas offshore.

The weather office also predicted a cold spell in the country from Sunday, which is expected to continue for several days. Meanwhile, Friday's forecast says it will be relatively cold during the day and there is a chance of rain in some places at first. A cold night is also expected.

Strong winds and high seas are likely in offshore areas until this afternoon, and there is also a possibility of light scattered rain in the early hours. The wind speed may go up 25 knots offshore, with the sea level rising to 6ft.

The minimum temperature on Friday is expected to be 12C in Abu Samra, 13C in Doha and 14C in Wakrah, Mesaieed, Al Khor, Dukhan and Ruwais. The maximum, on the other hand, will range from 18C to 21C, with Doha expected to see a high of 20C.

Thursday, a minimum temperature of 14C was recorded in Sheehaniya, Dukhan, Ruwais and other places, while it was 16C in Doha. The maximum ranged from 19C to 21C around the country.